Kindness in Suffering: 12 Ways God Shows His Goodness Through Trials and AfflictionsSample

Suffering Tests Our Faith and Makes it Stronger

One of the greatest purposes of trials and suffering is to test the strength of our faith. More than simply proving the existence of saving faith, affliction proves the durability of our faith. This is because we are not only saved by faith in Christ, but we are sustained daily by our faith in Christ (Gal. 3:3–5). And trials are the means by which our continuous faith is tested and grown by the Lord. We read in James 1:2–4:

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

There is a direct correlation between difficult trials and the maturing of faith. The more our faith in God is put to the test, the stronger it grows. It becomes more durable and able to withstand a greater amount of affliction. On the contrary, a faith that has not been tested will crumble at the first sign of trouble.

However, God desires that our faith endure for our whole lifetime as a Christian. Romans 5:3–4 encourages us to “exult [rejoice; gloriously exclaim] in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.”

How does our hope grow as a result of tribulation and suffering? Because in the consistent maturing of our Christian character, we see evidence that “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (v. 5). God grows us because He loves us.